Sydney Swans development coach Lloyd Perris has channelled the anticipation of the club’s thousands of supporters, revelling in the feel-good story surrounding comeback man Sam Naismith.
The 206-centimetre ruckman will run out for his first official match since 2017 as Sydney meets the Brisbane Lions at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday morning.
The 28-game Swan suffered a cruel blow when he ruptured his ACL less than a month out from Sydney’s season-opening 2018 match.
But Naismith, who signed with the Swans as a rookie ahead of season 2013, will make a long-awaited return as Sydney shoots for a third-straight victory in Sunday’s clash.
Perris says it’ll be great to see the towering Swan run out for a game for the first time in a long time.
“It is really exciting to have Sam back. He’s been through some massive challenges over the last couple of years but when Sammy is up and about it’s a sight to behold,” Perris told Swans Media.
“He’s an aggressive ruckman and he’s also a really talented tap ruckman.
“We don’t expect too much from him. It’s just more about him enjoying the contest and getting through injury-free. He is a barometer when it comes to energy so we’re rapt to have him back.”
Perris said Naismith would play predominantly in the ruck and tackle about 60 minutes of game time, while coach John Longmire is eager for him to return to the Swans’ AFL side by the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Sydney will be looking to build on consecutive wins over the Northern Territory Thunder and the Southport Sharks.
The Swans are placed third on the ladder with nine wins and four losses chalked up, while the Lions are sitting atop the table and are undefeated after 14 rounds.
Perris said his charges would relish facing the NEAFL’s benchmark team.
“It is a massive challenge and we’re not shying away from the fact that it is a big challenge,” Perris said.
“It’s a really good test for our boys collectively and as individuals. We’ll be looking to see whose character stands up when they’re challenged.
“We’re going to attack it with everything we’ve got. We don’t have much to lose against this group, so we’re going to throw everything at them and see how we go.”
Among Sydney’s outfit will be a host of QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-ups, some of whom will feature at November’s AFL Draft.
Perris says a golden opportunity awaits the young stars.
“We say facing Brisbane is a challenge for our AFL-listed players but it’s an even bigger challenge for the Academy boys,” Perris said.
“It’s a good chance for them to show they can mix it against the absolute best the NEAFL has to offer. They’re obviously vying for a spot on an AFL list so for them it’s about showing us what they can do while also fitting in to the Swans’ NEAFL structure. It’ll be a great challenge for the Academy boys.”
Who: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions
Where: Blacktown International Sportspark
When: Sunday, 10:30am
Round: 15
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